SUMMARY: This notice informs the mining community of the availability
of realistic self-contained self-rescue (SCSR) training units to conduct
annual SCSR expectations training.

DATES: Underground coal mine operators must have a purchase order for
realistic SCSR training units by April 30, 2007 and conduct this
component of expectations training within 60 days of receipt of the
units.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 8, 2006, the Mine Safety and
Health Administration (MSHA) published a final rule on Emergency Mine
Evacuation. The majority of the requirements applied to underground
coal mines. [71 FR 71430] Section 75.1504(c) of the final rule is a new
provision that requires underground coal mine operators to provide
annual SCSR expectations training to miners. Expectations training
requires the miner to breathe through a realistic SCSR training unit or
an equivalent device that provides the sensation of airflow resistance
and heat that the miner would experience when using an SCSR during an
emergency.
When the final rule was published, realistic SCSR training units
were not available. MSHA did not require compliance with expectations
training until the training units became available. MSHA also stated
that the Agency would notify mine operators of the availability of the
training units by publishing a notice in the Federal Register.
MSHA has determined that realistic SCSR training units are now
available. These units are now manufactured by CSE, Ocenco, and
Draeger. Mine operators can purchase these units directly from the
manufacturers at the addresses below: